The hybrid Lemon Boy is beloved among both hobbyist and commercial growers, even though it was developed recently. It is one of the most sought after yellow tomato varieties. The tomatoes are medium sized, weighing 7 to 8 ounces with a distinct, bright yellow color. Lemmon boy hybrids are among the more disease resistant tomato strains, and have an average growth speed and bear fruit in approximately 72 days.
Prized lemon boys are harvested throughout the growing season and are known for their exceptionally sweet sugary flavor.
Best Soil for Lemon Boy Tomatoes
Like other tomatoes, Lemon boys prefer rich and highly fertile soil. These vigorous plants thrive better in healthy conditions and fast growth and should be planted in loose soil with slight acidity, at a pH of 6.5.
Proper Care for Lemon Boy Tomatoes
Growers should start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks prior to the last average frost date for robust seedlings that thrive in the garden. For the most part, sowing seeds can be done all at once within a week’s window without much consequence since the variability of the plant will naturally stagger the harvest.
Until transplantation, seedlings must be watered every other day. Following this, watering should occur every three to four days, based on the weather conditions or when the soil feels dry a few inches beneath the surface.
For seedlings and new transplants, liquid fertilizers with higher nitrogen content, such as 20-10-10, yield the best results. Once the plants reach two to three feet in height and begin to bud, switching to an evenly balanced fertilizer is recommended.
When to Harvest Lemon Boy Tomatoes
The bright yellow fruit of the Lemon Boy tomato indicates maturity between 72 to 80 days after planting. These tomatoes should be harvested individually as they ripen, not all at once. One plant will not ripen all at once, and multiple plants will ripen in sets over time. As with other tomato varieties, the leaves and stems are toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Lemon Boy Tomato Plant Pests and Diseases
The Lemon Boy is an excellent choice due to its good disease resistance. This strain is also resistant to almost all prominent pests that affect tomato plants, which greatly explains their demand.
Most pests avoid the Lemon Boy’s leaves because they are toxic, and as a result, will often also steer clear of the fruits. Specifically, the Lemon Boy is resistant to Fusarium and Verticillium wilt, as well as to Root Nematodes.
Most grasshoppers and leaf-eating caterpillars are also resistant to these. Your primary problem will be bird pests who find the bright yellow tomatoes irresistible.